High-degree atrioventricular block in COVID-19 hospitalized patients

Dagher, Lilas; Wanna, Bassam; Mikdadi, Ghiath; Young, Monique; Sohns, Christian; Marrouche, Nassir F

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has shown the potential to significantly affect the cardiovascular system. Cardiac arrhythmias are commonly reported complications in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. METHODS: While tachyarrhythmias seem most common, we describe four cases of COVID-19 patients who developed a transient high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block during the course of their hospitalization. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All four patients who developed a high-degree AV block during their hospitalization with COVID-19 did not require permanent pacing. Similarly to most AV blocks associated with infectious organisms and given its transient nature, this case series suggests that conservative management strategies should be preferred in COVID-19 patients who develop complete heart block.